Refill-prevention valve

Abstract

A refill-prevention valve has a housing. The housing has a first tubular section defining a first passage, a second tubular section axially projecting from the first tubular section and defining a second passage being in fluid communication with the first passage, a third tubular section transversely projecting from the second tubular section and defining a third passage being in fluid communication with the second passage, and an annular flange which is formed on an internal surface of the housing between the first and second tubular sections and which defines an aperture. An annular plug is received in the aperture defined in the annular flange. A sleeve defines an aperture, an open end being disposed on the annular plug, a closed end and a disk formed on the closed end. A plunger is slidably received in the second passage for pushing the sleeve into the aperture defined in the annular flange and for pushing the annular plug out of the aperture defined in the annular flange.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A refill-prevention valve comprising: a housing comprising a first tubular section defining a first passage, a second tubular section axially projecting from the first tubular section and defining a second passage being in fluid communication with the first passage, a third tubular section transversely projecting from the second tubular section and defining a third passage being in fluid communication with the second passage, and an annular flange which is formed on an internal surface of the housing between the first and second tubular sections and which defines an aperture;   an annular plug being received in the aperture defined in the annular flange;   a sleeve defining an aperture, an open end being disposed on the annular plug, a closed end and a disk formed on the closed end; and   a plunger being slidably received in the second passage for pushing the sleeve into the aperture defined in the annular flange and for pushing the annular plug out of the aperture defined in the annular flange.   
     
     
       2. A refill-prevention valve in accordance with claim 1 wherein the second tubular section of the housing comprises a thread formed on an internal surface thereof, and wherein the plunger is linked to a spigot comprising a thread formed thereon, whereby the thread of the spigot is engageable with the thread of the second tubular section of the housing. 
     
     
       3. A refill-prevention valve in accordance with claim 1 wherein the spigot is linked to a knob which is disposed in the exterior of the second tubular section of the housing. 
     
     
       4. A refill-prevention valve in accordance with claim 1 comprising an annular ridge formed on the annular flange. 
     
     
       5. A refill-prevention valve in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plunger defines an annular groove for receiving an annular seal.